FAQ on Hardy Art.com!
    
       Click on Question to reveal Answer.
 Where did you learn how to paint murals?
  I first developed my muralist skills and knowledge while studying History of Art. In an ever-changing environment I became adept at continuous learning. I have perfected my skills and know-how via a variety of learning channels, apprenticeships and collaborative work:
  • 4 years of University
  • Art Classes
  • Workshops and Seminars
  • Specialized Demonstrations
  • Trade Shows
  • Technical Training
  • Networking with Architects, Engineers, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Urban Planners and Trades

 How long will a mural last ?
  When exposed to an outdoor environment, a mural will be affected by quite a wide variety of elements. All of these variants can be addressed as soon at the planning stage of a mural, thus ensuring a durable realization. A mural's life span can also be predicted in relation with wall preparation, materials used, workmanship and site conditions at the time of production. A healthy mural will require typical maintenance procedures at 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 years of its life.


 Where can I learn how to paint a mural?
  In a perfect world, there would be a Learning Center for Mural Art where 25 of the world's best Muralists would teach and transmit their knowledge to hoards of motivated students. Sadly, the CIAM, an international learning center based in France was dissolved in 2003 because of lack of funding. The world renowned San Miguel de Allende School of Mural Art in Mexico has also disappeared. If you are seeking for a high end learning channel, your best source would be to get to work with a practitioner, a professional Muralist. Practical training, combined with a solid classic University Curriculum in Fine Arts, will put you on the right direction. You will be creating your first mural within 6 months of starting school and will have reached a professional level half way through your tuition. You will greatly benefit from the challenging learning experiences of an academic environment while experimenting the realities of the outside world up there on a scaffold.



 Do you provide restoration and maintenance services ?
  Yes. I can also produce site assessment reports and elaborate maintenance programmes including funding plans.

 How much does a mural cost ?
  You have a project in mind? Let's discuss the particulars. Do not hesitate to use the Contact Form available on this site to send information.


 We have a project for our downtown but budget is limited, can you help ?
  Yes. You need 5 basic assets in order to get your mural project started;

  • a Visioner = you
  • a Wall
  • a Theme
  • a Budget
  • ...and a Muralist

  Surprisingly, the budget is the easiest aspect to resolve. I can assist you with the marketing and fundraising aspects of your project. I will introduce you to effective and enticing methods and opportunities that will lead to a successful completion of your project.


 Which one of your murals is your favourite ?
  Until I retire, my favourite mural will always be the next one I am going to create.
 How much does it cost to get a project proposal and model from you ?
  The project development phase is an exciting part of my work. It is also one that represents my initial business approach for which there is no charge. This is my way of sharing your vision and working collaboratively with you toward the successful completion of your project.
 Where do you call Home ?
  Montreal, Boston, San Diego and Dubai.


 Your website is awesome, have you designed others, would you design ours?

   I work periodically toward the completion of my own website. I do offer website design services as well as 3D modeling.


 What about vandalism ?
  Back in the 1980's, Murals were novelties in canadian towns and cities. Their introduction in urban communities was much more impactful then, than it is today. Murals are now "expected" and widely appreciated in a balanced socio-cultural environment. Our society's acceptance of Murals has reached that level of respect where vandalism is not as much of an issue anymore. Excellent coating systems are now available for protecting murals against graffitis.



 What type of paints do you use ?

  Acrylic paint systems. Fast-drying paint containing a high concentration of pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer and ceramic emulsion.  
 Who is your favourite Muralist ?
  Wyland is. Not only for his works but mostly because of his philosophy. The man is a bold, generous and larger than life individual. He has rallied more people around the world through his murals, than anyone in our life time. He is as big as the Great Wall of China.


 Do you do paintings, portraits and such?

  Yes, I do take commissions.

 


 How do you get your projects ?

  Word of mouth, my website and my business network are my major sources for new projects.
 What makes your murals look so alive?

  When painting a mural, I am constantly aware of its scale. I focus on the mural's subject rather than its technical aspects. The energy and the work is given to the painting rather than to the use of paints.
 We need to have some graffitis removed, any advice ?

  You should first contact your Muralist. Chances are that your mural has been coated with a protective film when it was produced. Your Muralist will give you the best method to use to fix the problem efficiently and in the best of conditions.
 Have you published anything about your work, where can I get it ?

  My work is featured in the Time Life Encyclopedia of People and Nations. A book called Walls and Murals by Victor Pilon also features my early work. A Field Book manuscript titled Big Art was published in 2008 as a limited edition hard cover and sold out. An eBook version of this edition will be in place at HardyArt.com


 We are currently looking to hire a Muralist, any recommendations ?

  When looking for a Muralist, look for the murals produced by that Muralist. The search for a Muralist is not about reviewing a portfolio, it's about reviewing murals; live, on location! Look for 5 years + murals and see for yourself if the work meets your expectations. A 5 years old + realization will be your best showing of workmanship and professionalism. A professional Muralist will also re-invest into the promotion and preservation of the works, therefore, your inquiries should also produce quick, easy and clear results. A professional Muralist will deliver a full package when it comes to the realization of a project; from initial conceptual research and site assessment, to unveilling ceremony ideas and follow ups recommendations. Remember that you will have to live with the results for years to come!
 Do you teach Mural Art or give workshops ?

  Yes I do. A wide range of Scholarships, Grants, Bursaries and Training Support Programmes are available for attending workshops and for adding to your current Curriculum. I will provide you with the information you need to complete your application. I also can provide one on one work and learn sessions in 5 days segments.
 Can I work for you, do you have any jobs available ?

I do hire occasionally at different stages of a project. My production crew is like family to me, good hearted, strong minded and bold individuals that will spare nothing in order to bring a project to a successful and swift completion. None of them are artists though, go figure! These commited individuals will join in on one of my projects, leaving their own agendas behind and egos on hold for a little while. These individuals come from various fields such as; construction, architecture, law, business or education. This being said, to answer your question, I do not hire at large outside of my contact list. If you are a skilled painter, a teacher or an environmental design professional looking for first hand Mural Art know-how and experience; I do offer one on one intensive workshops within real time production situations. Contact me for a quote!
 Do you paint directly onto brick walls?

  Yes I do. Murals painted directly onto brick walls will not last as long as murals painted onto a sub-wall system. I offer a combination of the two.
 Do you provide consulting services, we are planning a new Outdoor Gallery?

  Yes I do. Hiring a practitioner as a consultant is a wise thing to do if you are planning for acquiring a series of murals for your community. If you are starting from a clean slate, you have a unique occasion for doing things the right way at the planning stage of your project. You will definitely gain from the recommendations included in a report tailored specifically to your project goals. Ultimately, your project will set new standards of excellence amongst the mural friendly communities.


 Links exchange ? I would love to have my website listed on your Links Page !

  The Links page on this website contains a listing of informative, noteworthy and up to date websites that complement HardyArt.com. You are more than welcomed here if your website can add the the rich informative content of HardyArt.com.
 Our outdoor murals are not aging well, the oldest is only 5 years old,....Help ?

  Contact your Muralist.